Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is a privacy-focused VPN with a long-running reputation among power users. It stands out for open-source apps and lots of connection controls, like split tunneling and a kill switch.
Service Country:United States
|
Updated:January 5, 2026
Overview
Private Internet Access is often used by people who want more say in how their VPN behaves. It fits users who like to tweak settings instead of relying on one simple on and off button.
The apps are open source, so the code can be reviewed by others. That matters if you care about transparency and want fewer hidden parts in the software.
For day-to-day use, many people set rules for which apps use the VPN and which do not. The kill switch is there for times when the connection drops and you want traffic to stop.
On connectivity, it supports common protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. It also includes options like Shadowsocks for networks that try to block VPN traffic.
Features
Streaming Support
- HBO Max
- Unblock netflix
- Disney+
- Android TV
- Apple TV
- Smart TVs
- Kodi
- Fire TV
- Hulu
Network & Advanced Features
- Always-On VPN (Autoconnect)A fail-safe feature that ensures your device automatically connects to a secure server the moment it detects an internet connection. It guarantees that you never accidentally browse the web or use public Wi-Fi without the protection of an encrypted tunnel.
- Split TunnelingA versatile networking feature that lets you choose which specific apps use the VPN and which stay on your local internet connection. This allows you to secure your sensitive banking data while simultaneously streaming local content or gaming at maximum speeds.
- Port ForwardingThis feature allows incoming connections from the internet to pass through the VPN firewall to a specific device on your local network. It is vital for users who need to host game servers, access remote desktops, or maximize speeds for P2P file sharing and torrenting.
- RAM only serversHigh-security servers that run entirely on volatile RAM rather than traditional hard drives. Since RAM requires power to store data, every bit of information on the server is permanently wiped during every reboot, ensuring no data can ever be physically seized.
- Colocated ServersThese are physical servers owned and maintained by the VPN company itself rather than being rented from a third-party data center. This provides an extra layer of physical security and ensures that the VPN provider has total oversight of the hardware handling your data.
- Custom DNSAn advanced networking feature that allows you to manually set your preferred DNS provider (like Cloudflare, Google, or NextDNS) directly within the VPN app. This gives you granular control over your connection, enabling you to improve website resolution speeds, bypass ISP-level DNS filtering, and add extra layers of security like custom ad and malware blocking at the DNS level.
- Proxy supportAllows you to configure a proxy (like SOCKS5 or HTTP) directly within the app, either as an alternative to the VPN or as an additional layer. It is perfect for users who need a lightweight way to change their IP for a specific app or task without the encryption overhead of a full VPN, offering faster speeds for data gathering, location testing, and high-speed streaming.
- Dedicated IPA unique, private IP address assigned exclusively to your account that never changes. Unlike shared IPs, a dedicated IP prevents you from being "guilt-by-association" blacklisted due to other users' actions, ensures smoother access to online banking and remote work tools, and significantly reduces the number of CAPTCHAs you encounter while browsing.
- Obfuscation / Stealth ModeAdvanced technology that disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS web browsing to bypass deep packet inspection. This is the best way to use a VPN in highly censored countries like China or on restrictive networks like schools and workplaces.
- Multi-Hop (Double VPN)A powerful privacy feature that chains your connection through two separate VPN servers in different countries. By encrypting your data twice, it makes it virtually impossible for anyone to trace your online activity back to your original location. However, the downside is slower speeds.
Performance & Gaming
- DDoS ProtectionA robust security shield that masks your true IP address and uses the VPN provider’s massive server infrastructure to absorb and filter out malicious traffic spikes. This is an essential feature for competitive gamers and streamers, as it prevents "Distributed Denial of Service" attacks from crashing your connection or kicking you offline during critical moments.
Device & Platform Support
- Playstation
- Mac
- pfSense SupportIndicates that the VPN service can be installed directly onto your pfSense firewall hardware to protect every device in your home or office. By securing the network at the router level, you ensure that smart TVs, consoles, and IoT devices are always encrypted.
- Windows
- iPhone / iOS
- Xbox
- Linux
- Android
- Routers
VPN Protocols
- ShadowsocksAn encrypted proxy protocol specifically designed to help users bypass the Great Firewall and other forms of strict internet censorship. It is lightweight, fast, and highly effective at making VPN traffic look like ordinary web activity.
- OpenVPNThe industry’s most trusted and versatile protocol, known for its incredible security and ability to bypass even the toughest firewalls. Because it is open-source, it is constantly being audited and improved by security experts worldwide.
- IKEv2A high-speed VPN protocol known for its exceptional stability and ability to reconnect instantly when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data. It is the preferred choice for mobile users who need a secure connection that doesn't drop while they are on the move.
- WireGuardThe newest and most efficient VPN protocol, built with high-speed performance and state-of-the-art cryptography in mind. It offers significantly faster connection times and better battery life for mobile devices compared to older, legacy protocols.
Browser Extensions
- Chrome extension
- Opera extension
- Firefox extension
Privacy & Security
- Kill SwitchAn essential fail-safe that automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your unencrypted data and real IP address from being exposed to the public web for even a single second.
- Audited No-logs PolicyThis means the provider's privacy claims have been independently inspected and verified by a reputable third-party security firm. An independent audit provides objective proof that the company is truly committed to its "zero-logs" promise. VPNs with an audited no-logs policy are considered the best for privacy.
- Open SourceThe software’s code is public and can be inspected by anyone for security flaws. This transparency ensures there are no hidden "backdoors" or malicious features.
- Ad & Tracker BlockingAn integrated security tool that stops intrusive advertisements and malicious tracking scripts from loading on your web pages. It not only enhances your privacy but also speeds up your browsing experience by reducing data consumption.
- AES-256 EncryptionThis is the highest level of data encryption available, utilizing a 256-bit key to scramble your internet traffic. It is the gold standard used by security experts and government agencies to ensure your private data remains unreadable to hackers and ISPs.
- IPv6 Leak ProtectionA critical safety feature that prevents your device from accidentally revealing its real location through the modern IPv6 protocol. It forces all traffic through the encrypted VPN tunnel, closing a common loophole used by websites to track users.
- No-Logs PolicyA strict privacy guarantee that the VPN provider does not track, record, or store any information about your online activities. This ensures that even if authorities request data, there is absolutely no browsing history or connection timestamps to provide. This is often mentioned in VPN provider's Term of Service.
- DNS Leak ProtectionThis security feature ensures all your website requests are routed through the VPN's private DNS servers rather than your ISP's. It prevents your browsing habits from being exposed, maintaining total online anonymity even if a connection error occurs.
Pricing & Payments
- Subscription
- Money-back Guarantee
- Cryptocurrency
Support & Trust
- Quick Setup
- Live Chat
- Independent AuditA professional security review conducted by a third-party firm to verify that the VPN’s privacy claims and security features are actually working. This "stamp of approval" provides objective proof that your data is being handled according to the highest industry standards.
- 24/7 Support
Account & Usage Limits
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Unlimited devices
Private Internet Access Alternatives
Hide.me
Hide.me is built for people who want strong privacy controls without a noisy app experience. It keeps the focus on no-logs use, modern VPN protocols, and tools that help prevent leaks during everyday browsing.
Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN is built for people who want one account that can cover all their devices at once. It also adds privacy tools like tracker blocking and an “Alternative ID” style option for sign-ups and forms.
NoPorts
NoPorts is built for remote access without opening inbound ports or exposing a private network. It is mainly used by teams that need to reach internal systems with less network setup and less tracking.
Shadowsocks
Shadowsocks is a proxy-based tunneling tool that is often used to get around network blocks and censorship. It is usually set up with your own server, so it appeals to people who want control over how traffic is routed.
Private Internet Access Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!